The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved a request Nov. 13 from the Drain Office to purchase a 4-wheel-drive half-ton pickup to replace two high-mileage trucks.

Josh Griffith, speaking for the Drain Office, said the office currently operates a 2008 and a 2009 pickup that require frequent maintenance and that county mechanics recommended a replacement. Griffith presented three quotes from local dealers (Tapper Ford, Tapper Chevrolet and a Paw Paw dealer) and recommended the Tapper Chevrolet quote because it included a $4,000 dealer savings.

He said the Silverado-style half-ton is sufficient for towing a small landscape trailer and ATVs; the dealer quoted a market price of $42,004.45 reduced to $38,004.45 out the door. Griffith confirmed the requested vehicle is four-wheel drive.

Commissioner (speaker 6) moved to approve the purchase; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will finalize procurement per county purchasing policy and move forward with the vehicle purchase and assignment to the Drain Office.